by Doug K
First, let me say this: I am a lever action junkie. There's just something about the balance, the ease of carry, and the rapidity of fire. Plus, Who out there isn't a cowboy at heart? Lever actions just seem American. But, leverguns aren't without their faults. They are not chambered for the most potent ammo, they are slow to load, and limited on capacity. And the worst thing in the gun world is a scope mounted on a lever-gun! I've heard it said that a scope on a lever-gun looks like a canoe tied to the top of a Corvette!
So, I was interested in something that used fairly potent ammo, was quick to load, and could easily mount a scope.
Since I'm always on the look-out for new, interesting guns, I cruise the Internet auction sites a lot. Being cheap, I usually check out the 'Poor' listings for the more interesting projects and shooters. One day I found a highly modified Ishapore Enfield listed by a pawn shop in Las Vegas. It had a chopped barrel, shortened stock, and a forward scope mount. Also listed was a "Very Bad" bore. I thought to myself, "How bad could it really be?" So I placed a bid, and won it for the amazing starting price of $79!
When it arrived, I looked it over and it was pretty much as described, bad bore and all. It's barrel had been cut down to about 19", and the fore-end had been shortened to match. The upper
hand guard had been removed, and placed on the comb of the stock as a Monte-Carlo style cheek rest. Also, the rear stock had been extended about an inch and a half and fitted with a Pachmayer
Decelerator. And finally, the whole stock had been coated with some kind of textured
finish and painted matte black.
Well, I had some Mil Surp ammo laying around, so I had to try it out. I mounted a 2x BSA pistol scope on it and took it out to my buddy's back yard. I fired off a mag through it at close range. All ten round went 'bang' so, I was a little happy with it. I then pulled the bolt and was amazed to see a pristine bore! All it needed was to be cleaned (or shot!). I proceeded to sight it in and have all kinds of fun with it.
I did notice a couple of things that it needed. Muzzle flash, even in bright sunlight, was very noticeable. So, I found an FAL-style flash-hider at a gun show, as well as a Garand/M-14 green sling. I sanded off some of the paint near the end of the barrel and fit the flash-hider to
it and silver soldered it on. Total barrel length is now around 22". I have had thoughts of shortening the barrel to around 16", but I think it would look too goofy. I also mounted the sling with the rear swivel in the normal spot, and the forward one on the left side of the fore-end. That way, when carrying, the rifle stays flatter to my back and the bolt handle won't dig into my side.
After those modifications, I am very happy with my 'Poor Boy Scout Rifle'. It shoots better than most lever actions, and packs much more of a punch than a .30/30. Plus, surplus ammo is much cheaper than factory ammo, and easier than reloading. I have fired it out to 200 yards at an 18" steel plate, and had no problem hitting it with every shot. Not too impressive to the bench
rest guys, but it'll do against someone who's trying to hurt me. And that's the main purpose it will fill. Hopefully it won't ever be needed for that use, but it is kept busy busting dirt clods and tin cans.
See pics of the Ishapore Scout here:
Rifle as Purchased
Action and Finish Close-Up
Side view of Flash Hider, Scope Mount, and Sling
Doug's Poor Boy Scout Rifle.
Talk to Doug
